Aerosol generating product and aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments comprises: a first segment; and a second section disposed on a downstream side of the first section, in which nicotine is adsorbed into the first section and the second section, and an inspiration resistance of the first section may be greater than or equal to an inspiration resistance of the second section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for products that replace traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette rods (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). Therefore, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette rods (or aerosol generating products) therefor is very active. For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues to be solved

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article that does not require heating and an aerosol-generating system including the same.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same, which can ensure a uniform nicotine transfer amount during smoking.

[0006] An object of an embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same, which can ensure a uniform smoking taste during the smoking process.

[0007] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same, which can minimize the instability caused by free nicotine according to pH adjustment.

[0008] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same, wherein the aerosol-generating article can selectively provide various intensities of smoking taste as a single aerosol-generating article.

[0009] Technical methods to solve problems

[0010] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes: a first section; and a second section, which is arranged on the downstream side of the first section, wherein nicotine is adsorbed into the first section and the second section, and the inhalation resistance of the first section can be greater than or equal to the inhalation resistance of the second section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inhalation resistance per unit length of the first section may be greater than or equal to the inhalation resistance per unit length of the second section.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first segment and the second segment may be made of cellulose acetate, and the mass of cellulose acetate per unit length of the first segment may be greater than or equal to the mass of cellulose acetate per unit length of the second segment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the denier of the first section may be less than or equal to the denier of the second section.

[0014] In one embodiment, a medium segment is further included between the first segment and the second segment, and the medium segment may include a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment may be transferred from the medium segment. The medium segment may be pH-treated so that its pH value may be in the range of 7.0 to 9.5.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first section or the second section may be made by cutting a filter portion from which free nicotine released from a medium material including nicotine is transferred.

[0016] According to various embodiments, an aerosol generating system includes: an aerosol generating article; and an aerosol generating device, which includes a control unit containing at least one processor, an elongated cavity configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article, and a vaporizer configured to generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition and release the aerosol to the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article includes: a first section; and a second section, which is arranged on the downstream side of the first section, wherein the first section or the second section is composed of cellulose acetate adsorbed with nicotine, and the denier of the first section can be less than or equal to the denier of the second section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inhalation resistance per unit length of the first section may be greater than or equal to the inhalation resistance per unit length of the second section.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article further comprises a medium segment located between the first segment and the second segment, and the medium segment may comprise a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment may be transferred from the medium segment. The aerosol generating device further comprises a heater for heating the first segment, the medium segment or the second segment, and the control unit may control the temperature at which the heater heats the first segment, the medium segment or the second segment.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can achieve aerosol transfer without heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0021] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can ensure a uniform nicotine transfer amount during smoking.

[0022] The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating article according to an embodiment can ensure a uniform smoking taste during the smoking process.

[0023] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment may use the aerosol-generating article without preheating the device.

[0024] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment may minimize instability caused by free nicotine based on pH adjustment.

[0025] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment may selectively provide various intensities of puff mouthfeel as a single aerosol-generating article.

[0026] An aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system including the same according to an embodiment can provide a user with a smoking satisfaction by ensuring sufficient nicotine transfer in a non-heating mode.

[0027] An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment and an aerosol-generating system including the same may be expected to extend the life of the device when used in a non-heating mode.

[0028] The effects of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating system including the same according to an embodiment are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by ordinary technicians in this field through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are provided together with the detailed description of the present invention for better understanding of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth in the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 The figure schematically shows the structure of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 Nicotine transfer testing for each segment of the aerosol-generating article is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various changes can be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not limited or defined by the embodiments. All variations, equivalents or substitutes of the embodiments are included in the scope of the rights.

[0035] The terms used in the embodiments are only used to illustrate specific embodiments and are not used to limit the embodiments. In the absence of special instructions in the content, singular expressions include plural meanings. In this specification, the terms "including" or "having" are used to express the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, accessories or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, and do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, accessories or combinations thereof, or additional functions.

[0036] In the absence of other definitions, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the common meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used terms that are the same as dictionary definitions should be understood to have meanings consistent with the common content of the relevant technology and should not be overly idealized or interpreted as formal meanings unless explicitly mentioned in this application.

[0037] Furthermore, in the process of describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted. In the process of describing the embodiments, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology will unnecessarily confuse the embodiments, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0038] In addition, in the description of the components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (B) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, sequence or order of the element is not limited by these terms. When a constituent element is described as being "connected", "combined" or "in contact with" another constituent element, it should be understood that the constituent element can be directly connected or attached to the other constituent element, and it can also be understood that the other constituent element is "connected", "combined" or "in contact with" each constituent element.

[0039] For the constituent elements and elements with common functions included in a certain embodiment, the same names may be used to describe in another embodiment. Unless otherwise mentioned, the description of a certain embodiment may be applicable to other embodiments, and its detailed description will be omitted within the scope of repetition.

[0040] In the following embodiments, "humectant" may refer to a substance that can promote the formation of visible smoke and / or aerosol. Humectants may include glycerol (GLY), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. In the art, humectants may be used interchangeably with terms such as aerosol formers and wetting agents.

[0041] In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a material that can form an aerosol. An aerosol may include volatile compounds. An aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid. For example, a solid aerosol-forming substrate may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco shreds, tobacco particles, and reconstituted tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco may be divided into slurry-type leaflets and paper-type leaflets according to its manufacturing method. And a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extracts, and / or various flavors. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0042] In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, i.e., a medium, wherein the aerosol passes through the article and transfers the nicotine contained in the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0043] In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate, and the generated aerosol can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth.

[0044] In the following embodiments, the term "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the mouth of a user (smoker), and the term "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction close to the mouth of a user. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative positions of components of an aerosol-generating article.

[0045] In the following embodiments, the term “puff” may refer to a user's inhalation where an aerosol is inhaled into the user's mouth, nose, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment, Figure 2a and Figure 2b FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol generating article is combined with an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The figure schematically shows the structure of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating system 1 may include an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol generating article 12 .

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a battery 111 , a control unit 112 , a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 .

[0049] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The aerosol generating device 11 shown in the figure shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to Figure 2b and Figure 2b In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include other common components. In addition, the aerosol generating device 11 may be in a stick shape or a holder shape.

[0050] In one embodiment, the battery 111 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the battery 111 can supply current to the vaporizer 113 so that the vaporizer 113 heats the liquid composition. In addition, the battery 111 can also provide the power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 11.

[0051] In one embodiment, the battery 111 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 111 may correspond to a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2 ) batteries, lithium titanate batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc.

[0052] For example, the battery 111 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the capacity of the battery 111 may have a range of 120 mAh to 250 mAh, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the battery 111 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 111 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 111 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for static use, the battery 111 may be manufactured to ensure more than 80% of the total capacity even if 2000 charge / discharge cycles are performed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 11. Specifically, in addition to the battery 111 and the vaporizer 113, the control unit 112 may also control the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device 11. In addition, the control unit 112 may also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 11 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state.

[0054] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 includes at least one processor. The processor may be an array composed of multiple logic gates, or a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing an executable program of the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented with other types of hardware.

[0055] In one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition and releasing the generated aerosol to the aerosol generating article 12, so that the generated aerosol can pass through the aerosol generating article 12 inserted into the elongated cavity 115. Therefore, tobacco flavor can be added to the aerosol passing through the aerosol generating article 12, and the user can inhale one end of the aerosol generating article 12 through the mouth to inhale the aerosol with added tobacco flavor. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can be called a cartomizer or an atomizer. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 113 can be combined with the aerosol generating device 11 in a replaceable manner.

[0056] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a heater 114. The aerosol generating article 12 according to one embodiment may transfer nicotine under non-heating conditions. In addition, in the low-temperature heating mode performed by the heater 114, the nicotine transfer amount may be increased by promoting nicotine transfer. Compared with the non-heating mode, the low-temperature heating mode performed by the heater 114 may achieve a higher level of smoking taste, and the nicotine transfer amount may be easily adjusted through the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode.

[0057] The heater 114 may be powered and heated by the battery 111. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the aerosol sensing device 11, the heater 114 may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 12. Therefore, the heated heater 114 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0058] For example, the heater 114 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 114 may include a conductive track, and the heater 114 may be heated as current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 114 is not limited to the above examples, and any example that can heat the heater 114 to a desired temperature may be applicable without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 11 or may be set by a user.

[0059] In addition, as another example, the heater 114 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 114 may include a conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article 12 by induction heating, and the aerosol-generating article 12 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0060] For example, the heater 114 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 12 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0061] In addition, the heater 114 may be provided as a plurality of heaters in the aerosol generating device 11. In this case, the plurality of heaters 114 may be provided to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article 2, or may be provided outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, a portion of the plurality of heaters 114 may be provided to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article 2, and the rest may be provided outside the aerosol generating article 12.

[0062] In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 12 may be housed in the elongated cavity 115. In an embodiment, the heater 114 may be arranged to wrap around the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article housed in the elongated cavity 115. The heater 114 according to an embodiment may be arranged to wrap around at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated cavity 115.

[0063] In addition, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include common components in addition to the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113, the heater 114 and the elongated cavity 115. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a sensing unit 116, an output unit 117, a user input unit 118, a memory 119 and a communication unit 120.

[0064] The sensing unit 116 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 11 or the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 11, and send the sensing information obtained by the sensing to the control unit 112. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 112 can control the aerosol generating device 11 to perform other functions such as restricting smoking, determining whether the aerosol generating product 12 (e.g., cigarette, cigarette cartridge, etc.) is fully inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0065] The sensing part 116 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1161 , an insertion detection sensor 1162 , and a suction sensor 1163 , but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The temperature sensor 1161 can sense the temperature at which the heater 114 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 11 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 114, or the heater 114 itself may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1161 may be arranged around the battery 111 to monitor the temperature of the battery 111.

[0067] The insertion detection sensor 1162 can sense whether the aerosol generating article 12 is inserted and / or removed. The insertion detection sensor 1162 may include, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, which can sense a signal change by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article 12.

[0068] The suction sensor 1163 can sense the suction from the user based on the airflow path or various physical changes in the airflow path. For example, the suction sensor 1163 can sense the suction from the user based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0069] In addition to the above sensors (1161 to 1163), the sensing unit 116 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of the sensor from the name of the sensor, so a more detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0070] The output unit 117 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 11 and provide it to the user. The output unit 117 may include at least one of a display unit 1171, a tactile unit 1172, or a sound output unit 1173, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1171 and a touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1171 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0071] The display unit 1171 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 11. The information about the aerosol generating device 11 may include, for example, the charge / discharge state of the battery 111 of the aerosol generating device 11, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article 12, or the limited use state of the aerosol generating device 11 (for example, abnormal items detected), etc., and the display unit 1171 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1171 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. In addition, the display unit 1171 may also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0072] The tactile portion 1172 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 11 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation. The tactile portion 1172 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0073] The sound output unit 1173 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 11 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 1173 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0074] The user input unit 118 may receive input information from the user, or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 118 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance type, a pressure sensitive film type, an infrared sensor type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel, a micro switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although in Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 11 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 111.

[0075] The memory 119 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 11, and can store data processed by the control unit 112 and data to be processed by the control unit 112. The memory 119 may include at least one of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XE memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 119 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 11, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature distribution, and data associated with the smoking pattern of the user.

[0076] The communication unit 120 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 120 may include a short-range communication unit 1201 and a wireless communication unit 1202 .

[0077] The short-range wireless communication unit 1201 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The wireless communication unit 1202 may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 1202 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 11 in the communication network.

[0079] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal combined with a bracket through which a user can control the functions of the aerosol generating device 11. For example, the user can use the input device of the aerosol generating device 11 to perform various functions. The user can perform a desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 11 by adjusting the number of times the input device is pressed (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the length of time the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.). When the user operates the input device, a function of preheating the heating element of the vaporizer 113, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heating element of the vaporizer 113, a function of cleaning the space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, a function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 11 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining power (available power) of the battery 111, a function of resetting the aerosol generating device 11, etc. can be performed. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 11 are not limited to the above examples.

[0080] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor and / or an aerosol generating article insertion detection sensor. In addition, the aerosol generating device 11 may be manufactured to have a structure that allows external air to flow in / out even when the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0081] According to one embodiment, Figure 2a As shown, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in series. According to another embodiment, as Figure 2b As shown, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a vaporizer 113 and an elongated cavity 115 arranged in parallel. In addition, the arrangement of the battery 111, the control unit 112, the vaporizer 113 and the elongated cavity 115 of the aerosol generating device 11 is not limited to Figure 2a and Figure 2b , there may be many variations. For example, the aerosol generating device 11 may include a heater (e.g., Figure 1 Heater 114).

[0082] Through the airflow path in the aerosol generating device 11, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 113 can flow into the elongated cavity 115 and pass through the aerosol generating article 12. Therefore, tobacco flavor can be added to the aerosol passing through the aerosol generating article 12, and the user can inhale one end of the aerosol generating article 12 through the mouth to inhale the aerosol added with tobacco flavor or nicotine.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the evaporator 113 may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer device, a heating element, and an air flow path. Each component of the evaporator 113 may be made of polycarbonate material, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] In one embodiment, the liquid storage portion can store a liquid composition that can generate an aerosol when heated. According to one embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco material, which includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, and according to another embodiment, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. In addition, the liquid composition can store a liquid with a capacity of 0.1 to 2.0 mL, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid storage portion can be interchangeably combined in the vaporizer 113.

[0085] For example, the liquid composition may include, for example, water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Spices may include, but are not limited to, menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavors, etc. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide various flavors or fragrances to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E, but is not limited to this. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0086] In one embodiment, the liquid transfer device can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element. In one embodiment, the liquid transfer device can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic, and can use capillary action to transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element.

[0087] In one embodiment, the heating element may be an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer device, and may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. In addition, the heating element may also include a conductive wire such as a nickel-chromium wire, and may be arranged in a winding structure around the liquid transfer device. The heating element may be heated when an electric current is supplied, and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0088] In an embodiment, the arrangement of the airflow path may allow the generated aerosol to be released towards the inserted aerosol-generating article 12. That is, the aerosol generated by the heating element may be released through the airflow path.

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the temperature of the heating element by controlling the current provided to the heating element. Therefore, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol generated by the liquid composition by controlling the current provided to the heating element. In addition, the control unit 112 can also control the current provided to the heating element within a predetermined time when the user's puff is sensed. For example, the control unit 112 can control the current provided to the heating element within 1 to 5 seconds after the user's puff is sensed.

[0090] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 can control the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by controlling the open and closed state of the airflow path. Specifically, the control unit 112 can increase the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by increasing the size of the opening in the airflow path, and reduce the amount of aerosol released from the vaporizer 113 by reducing the size of the opening in the airflow path. For example, the control unit 112 can control the opening in the airflow path using a dial method.

[0091] In one embodiment, when the amount of the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion is less than a preset amount, the control portion 112 may notify the user of insufficient liquid composition through a vibration motor or a display screen.

[0092] Reference Figure 3 According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 12 may include a first section 121 , a medium section 122 , a second section 123 and a wrapper 125 .

[0093] In one embodiment, at least one packaging material 125 may be used to package the aerosol generating article 12. The packaging material 125 may be formed with at least one hole through which external air may flow in and internal gas may flow out. The packaging material 125 may include a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0094] For example, the first section 121 can be packaged with the first packaging material 1251, the media section 122 can be packaged with the second packaging material 1252, and the second section 123 can be packaged with the third packaging material 1253. In addition, the aerosol generating article 12 can be completely packaged again with the fifth packaging material 1255.

[0095] In one embodiment, the first packaging material 1251, the second packaging material 1252, and the third packaging material 1253 may be made of porous rolled paper. For example, the porosity of the first packaging material 1251, the second packaging material 1252, and the third packaging material 1253 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the first packaging material 1251, the second packaging material 1252, and the third packaging material 1253 may be between 70 μm and 80 μm, respectively. In addition, the basis weight of the first packaging material 1251, the second packaging material 1252, and the third packaging material 1253 may be between 20 g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2 within the range.

[0096] In one embodiment, the second packaging material 1252 may include an aluminum component. For example, the second packaging material 1252 may be a combination of ordinary filter paper and metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil). In addition, the second packaging material 1252 may be made of sterile paper (e.g., MFW).

[0097] In one embodiment, the fifth packaging material 1255 can be made of sterile paper (eg, MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth packaging material 1255 can be 57 g / m 2 Up to 63g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth packaging material 1255 may be between 64 μm and 70 μm.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first section 121 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the first section 121 may also be composed of a paper filter and a porous molded part. For example, the length of the first section 121 may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the first section 121 may be colored or scented.

[0099] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a cavity, in which a medium may be filled. For example, the medium matrix filled into the medium segment 122 may include at least one component of granular tobacco (tobacco particles), reconstituted tobacco, and shredded tobacco. For example, the ideal length range of the medium segment 122 may be 6 to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] In general, the moisture and / or aerosol forming agent content of tobacco particles is significantly lower than that of other types of tobacco materials (such as cut tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), so the generation of visible smoke can be greatly reduced, which is conducive to the aerosol generating device 11 to achieve a smoke-free function. However, the diameter, density, filling rate, component ratio of the constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco particles may vary depending on the implementation. The diameter of the tobacco particles can be 0.3mm to 1.2mm. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacture of the tobacco particles can be guaranteed, and the probability of eddy airflow in the cavity can be increased.

[0101] In addition, the medium segment 122 may also include aerosol-generating materials, such as glycerin, etc. In addition, the medium segment 122 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, the medium segment 122 may also include flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, etc., which are added by spraying onto the medium segment 122.

[0102] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include a pH-treated medium matrix. For example, the medium matrix may be treated with a pH regulator to have alkalinity. The pH regulator may be alkaline, such as potassium carbonate (K2CO 3 ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) and at least any one of calcium oxide (CaO). However, the materials included in the pH regulator are not limited to the above examples, and materials that produce less negative odor during smoking can also be used. The alkaline pH regulator can increase the pH value of the medium matrix included in the medium segment 122. Compared with the medium matrix not treated with the alkaline pH regulator, the medium matrix treated with the alkaline pH regulator increases the nicotine release when heated. That is, the medium matrix treated with the alkaline pH regulator can obtain sufficient nicotine production even if the medium segment 122 is heated at a low temperature.

[0103] In one embodiment, the medium segment 122 may include pulp or paper reconstituted tobacco adjusted to a pH value of 7.0 to 9.5, or may include tobacco particles adjusted to a pH value of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium matrix may include nicotine, and when the medium is pH treated, free nicotine (gas nicotine) may be transferred from the medium matrix even under non-heating conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH value of the medium matrix in the medium segment 122 to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine may be transferred under non-heating conditions and a smoking taste of sufficient intensity may be achieved.

[0104] In addition, when the aerosol generating device 11 includes a heater (e.g., Figure 1When the heater 114 is used, since the nicotine transfer is more promoted by low temperature heating, a relatively higher level of smoking mouth feel intensity can be achieved compared with the non-heating mode. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the nicotine transfer amount can be easily adjusted even by non-heating or low temperature heating in the aerosol generating article 12.

[0105] In one embodiment, the second section 123 may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. The second section 123 may include a tubular filter having a hollow portion. The hollow portion may be a hollow portion along the length direction (e.g., Figure 3 A gap that penetrates the second section 123 from the upstream side to the downstream side (in the direction from the first section 121 toward the second section 123). For example, a seasoning material can be added to the second section 123.

[0106] In one embodiment, nicotine can be adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 124. Since the pH value of the medium segment 122 is between 7.0 and 9.5, the nicotine in the medium segment 122 can quickly become free nicotine and transfer to the first segment 121 or the second segment 123 even under non-heating conditions. Therefore, the nicotine transferred from the medium segment 122 can be adsorbed to at least one of the first segment 121 and the second segment 124. Since not only the medium segment 122 but also the first segment 121 or the second segment 124 contains nicotine, the aerosol generating article 12 can be used even without preheating the aerosol generating device 11. This can not only increase the convenience of the user, but also provide a satisfying feeling of smoking taste according to the sufficient transfer of nicotine even without heating.

[0107] According to one embodiment, a nicotine transfer treatment process may be performed on the aerosol-generating article 12. For example, the nicotine transfer treatment process may be performed as follows. First, the pH value of the medium segment 122 may be treated within a range of 7.0 to 9.5, and the first segment 121 and the second segment 123 may be combined with the medium segment 122 by the packaging material 125. Then, the aerosol-generating article 12 may undergo a nicotine transfer period at room temperature. The nicotine transfer period may be more than 4 weeks.

[0108] Table 1 below shows the nicotine transfer over time of an aerosol-generating article consisting of a first segment 121, a first medium segment (eg, medium segment 122), a second medium segment, and a second segment 123. The following experiments were conducted at a temperature of 22°C.

[0109] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that nicotine is transferred and adsorbed to the first section 121 and the second section 124 after 4 weeks, and according to the smoke component analysis value, it can be seen that the amount of nicotine is increasing, while the atomization amount remains unchanged.

[0110] [Table 1]

[0111]

[0112] In one embodiment, the first section 121 or the second section 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be manufactured by cutting a cellulose acetate filter portion into which free nicotine released from a medium material comprising nicotine is transferred.

[0113] For example, a media stock portion including a nicotine-containing material (e.g., reconstituted tobacco leaves, wet tobacco particles, or tobacco leaves) may be provided, and the media stock portion may be pH treated and contained in a sealed chamber. The release of free nicotine from the media stock portion may then be induced by heating. A filter portion may be provided in the chamber, and the filter portion may have a block or cylindrical shape including a cellulose acetate component. Nicotine transfer may occur in which free nicotine moves from the media stock portion to the filter portion, and a circulation unit (e.g., a fan) assists in the transfer of nicotine. After a predetermined coordination period (transfer / adsorption period), a sufficient amount of nicotine is adsorbed into the filter portion, and the filter portion is cut to conform to a specified shape. The cut filter may be applied to an aerosol-generating article (e.g., Figure 3 The first section of the aerosol generating article 12 (e.g., Figure 3 121) or the second paragraph (e.g. Figure 3 123) in the second paragraph of the

[0114] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In an aerosol generating system 1 according to an embodiment, when the aerosol generating device 11 includes a heater (e.g., Figure 1 When the heater 114 is used, the control unit 112 can control the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the aerosol generating article 12. For example, the control unit 112 can adjust the temperature at which the heater 114 heats the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123.

[0115] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may control the heater 114 in a non-heating mode and a low-temperature heating mode. In the non-heating mode, the heater 114 may not heat the aerosol generating product 12, and at this time, the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may not be heated. In the low-temperature heating mode, the heater 114 may heat the aerosol generating product 12 at a low temperature of more than 0°C and less than 150°C. At this time, the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may be heated at a low temperature of more than 0°C and less than 150°C. When the aerosol generating product 12 is switched between the non-heating mode and the low-temperature heating mode, the intensity of the smoking taste may be adjusted. For example, in the non-heating mode, the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment 121, the medium segment 122, or the second segment 123 may be relatively small, so the intensity of the smoking taste may be relatively low. On the contrary, in the low temperature heating mode, the intensity of the smoking taste may be relatively high compared to the non-heating mode because the amount of nicotine transferred from the first segment 121, the medium segment 122 or the second segment 123 is relatively large. Therefore, in the low temperature heating mode, even if the medium segment 122 is not treated to a high pH value, sufficient smoking taste intensity can be ensured.

[0116] although Figure 3 The medium segment 122 is shown to be located between the first segment 121 and the second segment 123, but the components of the aerosol generating article 121 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto. For example, an atomization segment containing a humectant or another segment to which nicotine is transferred may be provided on the upstream side of the first segment 121. Alternatively, another segment to which nicotine is transferred may be provided between the first segment 121 and the medium segment 122. Alternatively, another segment to which nicotine is adsorbed may be provided on the downstream side of the second segment 123, or another segment to which nicotine is adsorbed may be provided between the second segment 123 and the medium segment 122. Alternatively, all segments may include a cellulose acetate filter segment to which nicotine is transferred.

[0117] In one embodiment, the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the first section 121 of the aerosol-generating article 12 may be equal to or greater than the nicotine adsorption amount per unit length of the second section 123. This will be described in detail below.

[0118] Figure 4 Nicotine transfer testing for each segment of the aerosol-generating article is shown.

[0119] Reference Figure 4 In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) filters with nicotine transferred were applied to different segments to prepare samples for analysis of nicotine residue and nicotine transfer. Figure 4In the experimental example (a), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred was set on the most upstream side segment; in the experimental example (b), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred was set on the second segment from the upstream side; in the experimental example (c), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred was set on the third segment from the upstream side; in the experimental example (d), the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred was set on the most downstream side segment. In the experimental example (e), in order to compare with the above experimental examples, the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred was set on all segments. At this time, the smoking resistance or filtering effect in each experimental example was set to be the same.

[0120] The following [Table 2] shows the Figure 4 The experimental results obtained.

[0121] [Table 2]

[0122]

[0123] Reference Figure 4 [Table 2], comparing Experimental Example (a) (the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine is transferred is arranged on the upstream side) with Experimental Example (d) (the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine is transferred is arranged on the downstream side), it can be seen that the amount of nicotine transferred in Experimental Example (d) is greater. In addition, when Experimental Examples (a), (b), (c), and (d) are compared in sequence, it can be found that the amount of nicotine transferred increases when the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine is transferred is arranged on the downstream side rather than the upstream side.

[0124] In addition, in Experimental Example (a), it can be found that the nicotine transferred from the first section is not necessarily transferred to the oral cavity, but remains in the second, third, and fourth sections. The same trend can be found in Experimental Example (b) and Experimental Example (c). This can also be confirmed in Experimental Example (e), and a trend of increasing nicotine residue from upstream to downstream is shown.

[0125] As the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine is transferred is arranged on the downstream side, the amount of nicotine transferred may increase due to the reduced filtering effect. Therefore, the cellulose acetate filter to which nicotine is transferred located on the downstream side may mainly participate in the transfer of nicotine during the first puff of smoking.

[0126] As the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred is arranged on the upstream side, the filtering effect of the cellulose acetate filter located on the downstream side is enhanced. Therefore, the cellulose acetate filter with nicotine transferred on the upstream side may be mainly involved in the transfer of nicotine during the later stage of smoking.

[0127] However, since the second segment 123 of the aerosol-generating article 12 according to an embodiment has a tubular shape including a hollow portion, the second segment 123 may have relatively less influence on nicotine transfer than the first segment 121. This is because most of the airflow flowing toward the oral cavity passes through the hollow portion of the second segment 123, rather than through the portion of the second segment 123 where cellulose acetate is formed, and only a small amount of the airflow will participate in the transfer of nicotine adsorbed into the second segment 123.

[0128] In one embodiment, the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the first section 121 may be less than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed per unit length of the second section 123. Since the amount of nicotine transferred from the second section 123 is not large compared to the first section 121, the amount of nicotine adsorbed in the second section 123 is preferably set to be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed in the first section 121. Thus, during the smoking process, the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity will be more uniform, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the smoking taste intensity.

[0129] The following [Table 3] shows the experimental results of the maximum transfer amount for each segment.

[0130] [Table 3]

[0131]

[0132] Referring to Table 3, Experimental Example (a) is directed to applying 4% triacetin (TA) plasticizer to a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter (e.g. Figure 3 Experimental Example (b) is directed to the application of TA 11% plasticizer to a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter (e.g., Figure 3 The first section 121) of the case; Experimental Example (c) is a tubular filter having a hollow portion (eg, Figure 3 The maximum transfer of free nicotine was measured at a storage temperature of 40°C and 50°C, with varying filter lengths and a maximum amount of tobacco particles loaded into the box. The coordination period was set to 7 days.

[0133] Based on the storage temperature of 40°C, the average nicotine transfer per unit length in Experimental Example (a) and Experimental Example (b) was 0.06 mg / mm and 0.09 mg / mm, respectively, while the average nicotine transfer per unit length in Experimental Example (c) was 0.14 mg / mm.

[0134] Based on a storage temperature of 50°C, the average nicotine transfer per unit length in Experimental Example (a) and Experimental Example (b) was 0.09 mg / mm and 0.15 mg / mm, respectively, while the average nicotine transfer per unit length in Experimental Example (c) was 0.21 mg / mm.

[0135] As can be seen from [Table 3], the amount of nicotine transferred in the tubular filter including cellulose acetate (Experimental Example (c)) is greater than the amount of nicotine transferred in the cylindrical filter including cellulose acetate (Experimental Example (a) or Experimental Example (b)). Although the tubular filter shows a greater amount of nicotine transferred, the amount of nicotine transferred (adsorbed) to the tubular filter may not be large. This is because most of the airflow passes through the hollow portion with lower resistance when passing through the tubular filter.

[0136] Therefore, it is preferred to set the amount of nicotine adsorbed by the second section 123 of the aerosol generating article 12 according to one embodiment to be greater than or equal to the amount of nicotine adsorbed by the first section 121, so that during the smoking process, the amount of nicotine transferred to the oral cavity will be more uniform, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the smoking taste intensity.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the aerosol generating article 12 and the aerosol generating system 1 including the same, the aerosol generating article 12 can be used directly without preheating the aerosol generating device 11, which can improve user convenience and provide smoking satisfaction to the user by ensuring sufficient nicotine transfer even in the non-heating mode. In addition, since the aerosol generating device 11 may not include a heater, it is expected that the service life of the device can be extended.

[0138] The description of the above embodiments is only an example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalents may be made thereto. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0139] The features and aspects of any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any other embodiments without causing any obvious technical conflicts.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article, It is characterized in that include: The first paragraph, and A second section is arranged on the downstream side of the first section; wherein nicotine is adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment, The second section includes a hollow formed along a length direction from upstream to downstream.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first segment and the second segment are made of cellulose acetate.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The adsorption amount of nicotine per unit length of the first segment is less than or equal to the adsorption amount of nicotine per unit length of the second segment.

4. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Also includes: a medium segment, disposed between the first segment and the second segment; The media segment includes a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment is transferred from the media segment.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The media segment is pH treated so that the pH of the media segment is in the range of 7.0 to 9.

5.

6. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first section or the second section is produced by cutting a filter portion to which free nicotine released from a medium raw material including nicotine is transferred.

7. An aerosol generating system, It is characterized in that include: Aerosol-generating articles, and An aerosol generating device comprises a control unit, an elongated cavity and a vaporizer, wherein the control unit comprises at least one processor, the elongated cavity is configured to accommodate the aerosol generating product, the vaporizer is configured to heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and release the aerosol to the aerosol generating product, Wherein, the aerosol generating product comprises: The first paragraph, and A second section is arranged on the downstream side of the first section; The first section or the second section is composed of cellulose acetate adsorbed with nicotine, The second section includes a hollow formed along a length direction from upstream to downstream.

8. An aerosol generating system according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The aerosol-generating article further comprises a media segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment, The media segment includes a pH-treated tobacco media, Nicotine adsorbed into the first segment or the second segment is transferred from the medium segment.

9. An aerosol generating system according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The aerosol generating device further comprises a heater for heating the first segment, the medium segment or the second segment, The control part controls the heater to heat the temperature of the first section, the medium section, or the second section.

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